Authentication

Explains the provisions for consent in the FOIP Regulation and provides guidance with respect to the policies or "rules" that public bodies must establish in order to accept consent electronically or orally.

Common or Integrated Programs and Services

Explains the FOIP Act's provisions for disclosure of personal information for the purpose of delivering a joint program or shared service, and suggests measures for protecting privacy when planning these initiatives.

Consent

Explains the provisions for consent in the FOIP Regulation and provides guidance with respect to the policies or "rules" that public bodies must establish in order to accept consent electronically or orally.

Counselling Services (Schools)

Provides guidance to counsellors employed by school boards on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, as well as the exercise of rights by parents and guardians. While the focus is on schools, the guide is also applicable to counselling services in other settings.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Explains how section 17(2)(j) and section 17(3) work, in conjunction with section 40(1)(b), with respect to disclosure under Part 2 of the FOIP Act, and how these provisions apply when a public body processes a request for personal information under Part 1 of the Act.

Discusses the effect of a series of decisions made in 2002 by the Alberta Labour Relations Board on the issue of whether the FOIP Act is a barrier to disclosing employee personal information to a bargaining agent.

Designed to provide elected council members with an overview of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, how the Act affects municipal operations, and the potential impact on council members. The presentation is intended to be delivered by FOIP Coordinators/Contacts and may be used as a refresher for returning council members or as an orientation for new council members. Speaking notes (Rich Text format) are also provided and can be downloaded and customized as needed. Content in italics is intended to be modified to reflect the FOIP experience of your municipality.

Employees

Fees

Provides an overview of the fee structure in the FOIP Act and Regulation, and explains when a fee estimate is required, what services a public body can charge for, how to prepare a fee estimate, the effect of the estimate on time lines, and processes for deposits and payment of fees.

Discusses the rationale for fees and fee waivers, the way the FOIP Act and Regulation apply to the processing of a request that may involve a fee waiver, and matters to be considered when deciding whether to grant a request for a fee waiver, including the application of the FOIP Act's "public interest" provision.

General

Provides a comprehensive source of reference on the application of the FOIP legislation by public bodies in Alberta. Interprets the Act and Regulation with reference to rulings by the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Also sets out roles and responsibilities and offers guidance on approaches and procedures that are intended to assist in the effective administration of the Act. Also available for purchase from the Alberta Queen's Printer.

Human Resources Management

Provides guidance for human resources staff in local public bodies on identifying information that can be routinely released upon request. Also outlines considerations when disclosing information under section 40 of the FOIP Act, and when responding to a request made under the FOIP Act.

Law Enforcement

Describes the way the FOIP Act applies to law enforcement, including definitions of law enforcement terms; responding to requests for law enforcement information; the collection, use and disclosure of personal information for law enforcement purposes; and practical tips on the creation and management of law enforcement records.

Municipalities

Designed to provide elected council members with an overview of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, how the Act affects municipal operations, and the potential impact on council members. The presentation is intended to be delivered by FOIP Coordinators/Contacts and may be used as a refresher for returning council members or as an orientation for new council members. Speaking notes (Rich Text format) are also provided and can be downloaded and customized as needed. Content in italics is intended to be modified to reflect the FOIP experience of your municipality.

Paramountcy

Explains the concept of paramountcy, the circumstances in which another Act may need to prevail over the FOIP Act, and how a FOIP Coordinator should approach a request under the FOIP Act when paramountcy may be involved.

Personal Information Banks

Describes how public bodies can identify personal information banks as required by the FOIP Act. Also available is a Microsoft Access 2003 database that public bodies can use to produce their directories of personal information banks. To download the database, right click here (MS Access) and save the file to your computer or network drive. To download the database instructions right click here (PDF).

Post-Secondary Institutions

Schools

Provides guidance to counsellors employed by school boards on the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, as well as the exercise of rights by parents and guardians. While the focus is on schools, the guide is also applicable to counselling services in other settings.

Unions

Discusses the effect of a series of decisions made in 2002 by the Alberta Labour Relations Board on the issue of whether the FOIP Act is a barrier to disclosing employee personal information to a bargaining agent.